This Maxim requires a lot of defining. I looked up the definition of 'shun,' and I'm glad I did. In my head it means 'reject,' and it does. But it also means to avoid or ignore. Of greater importance is the definition of evil.I've avoided talking about evil on my blog. I've thought several times about writing a post on what I consider evil, but I've chosen not to every time. I guess I can't avoid it any longer!In the Christian world many people write entire books about 'the problem of … [Read more...]

I've been writing a lot more frequently about Traditional Witchcraft stuff, but what's been happening with my Hindu practices, you might be wondering? I haven't forgotten or forsaken it. I've returned to a practice that I gained much from during my Hindu quarter at the start of this blog: I devote one day a week each to Shiva and Kali.Mondays are traditionally devoted to Shiva. Tuesdays are Kali's day. On these days I refrain from eating beef. While many Hindus are vegetarian, not all … [Read more...]

There are 146 of these maxims. This is only number 30. I feel like I'm running out of things to say about virtues!What is nobility of character? I think it is character possessing many of the virtues outlined in the Maxims. When I think of nobility I immediately think of a person of upper class bearing and stature, someone trying to be regal. But outside of a feudal context, I see someone with grace, strength of presence, good manners, a firm handshake, eye contact; I see a person of his … [Read more...]

I read a lot. All day long I'm reading, whether it's blogs, Facebook, actual paper books, on my nook, to the kids..... I tend to be rather obsessive with my subject matter, too.Niki's booksThe upper left corner is Peter Grey's Apocalyptic Witchcraft, which I recently finished and reviewed here.The upper right is Elizabeth U. Harding's Kali: The Black Goddess of Dakshineswar. I'm glad I read this, even though it had several chapters that I skipped because I didn't care about the … [Read more...]

I'm pretty sure I've mentioned just how bad I am resting. I have a tendency to take on challenges and roll with whatever needs my attention, not realizing when I'm too full up until I'm past the tipping point. That doesn't work very well, as by that point I've gone beyond the need for and my ability to rest and I'm in triage mode. I end up flailing and breaking down, usually in a most inconvenient manner for my partner.As a parent it can be particularly challenging to find space to rest. The … [Read more...]

I am a tremendous fan of Scarlet Imprint, publisher of fine magical books. Their books contain more than occult information, more than poetry, though they are certainly full of both; they are bound spells. I have read several of Scarlet Imprint's works. I don't always agree with the authors in their fervor or specifics, but I usually agree with the general themes. I almost always find myself thinking about their ideas long after I've finished a book. I'm still chewing over XVI, which I read over … [Read more...]

Today's Delphic Maxim is be kind to friends. Are some people not kind to those whom they call friends? Some people tend not to be kind in general, but who would be friends with someone who isn't kind to them? I feel like this maxim is a bit of a no-brainer. Be kind to the people in your life, those chosen and those there by circumstance, but especially be kind to your friends.This is a good reminder, though. In my life, I can remember to reach out - in person and via social media - and say, … [Read more...]